No freezing showers on hot days

Cold showers unsuitable for cooling on hot days

19/07/2013

Cold showers are not suitable for cooling off on hot days. For many seniors, the current summer weather with the high temperatures in everyday life is a significant burden. They are often looking for a cool under a cold shower, but advises the Federal Association of Senior Citizens Organizations (BAGSO) of this urgently. In any case, the cold shower at the end only causes more sweating.

Typical complaints of seniors in hot weather are cardiovascular problems, which can manifest in general symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, tiredness and weakness. Cooling by means of a cold shower, however, is by no means recommended to those affected. Because the temperature difference has an additional burden on the cycle, according to the news agency „dpa“ citing the Federal Association of Senior Citizens Organizations. In addition, the brewing with cold water activate the body's own heating. Because the pores of the skin and the superficial blood vessels contract in the face of the external influence of cold abruptly, the temperature release via the skin drops and the organism tries to counteract the supposed cold by the body's own temperature regulation. If the cold shower is over, those affected sweat all the more.

Lauwed showers instead of cold brewing
According to the BAGSO, seniors should shower rather lukewarmly instead of bothering themselves with cold water in order to avoid unwanted side effects. An intensified cooling can also be achieved if, for a change, the towel is dispensed with, because the evaporation of the water creates a cooling effect and you feel refreshed longer. Furthermore, there is the possibility to achieve a cooling of the organism by alternately immersing the arms in a washbasin with cold water for about 20 seconds and gently moving them, reports the Federal Association of Senior Citizens Organizations. Following the procedure, arms should be removed from the pelvis and gently wiped off to achieve a cooling effect on the evaporation. (Fp)

Picture credits: Rainer Sturm